Chronic Underrepresentation of Females and Women in Stroke Research Adversely Impacts Clinical Care.

Abstract

Unequal sex and gender sample sizes in rehabilitation studies have implications for the generalizability of the evidence and for the clinicians that utilize their recommendations. Physical therapists rely on evidence-based guidelines to tailor their assessments and interventions to optimize outcomes for patients. We currently know that females and women have worse stroke outcomes and prognoses than their counterparts, however, rehabilitation guidelines remain the same for all individuals. Notably, stroke prevention and acute care has recently shifted to include female- and women-oriented guidelines, however, rehabilitation guidelines have not yet caught up. This article summarizes the key differences that females and women with stroke experience, how they may impact recovery, and calls for researchers and rehabilitation professionals to consider sex and gender when working with patients who've had a stroke. Doing so will improve the lives for those with stroke and maximize treatment options and rehabilitation outcomes.